Formed in 2018, in New York, The Jones Title is a peculiar act, in a sense. By their own admission, their eclecticism is by design, as they bring a diverse array of influences to the table. Their new single, “She Don’t Know” is a nearly 5 minute alternative pop song, that might qualify as an opus of sorts. While not necessarily cinematic in arrangement, “She Don’t Know,” supplies a few twists throughout, and to the band’s credit, they work rather well. The group never seems as if they are reaching too far, or are intentionally trying to be artsy, but rather just being true to their nature.
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When you start in a city such as a New York, or an LA, you have to go the extra mile to stand out. Audiences and spectators in these particular regions are so jaded and cynical, that regardless of how good you are, you aren’t likely to find much encouragement; at least, initially. Starting with their name, which is a merging of seemingly unrelated terms, The Jones Title, appear to be acutely aware of the somewhat uphill journey, for which they were destined. Therefore, their approach to songwriting, and shaping their sound was something they were obviously quite aligned to. “She Don’t Know” is a quintessential example of what the band, pontificates themselves to be.
The track starts off in rather unassuming fashion, but yet still manages to instantly capture your attention. It’s a quiet and disciplined intro, that alludes to a possible Pixies like soft/loud dynamic. Instead, it launches into a rather tame adult contemporary song, along the lines of Train. However, The Jones Title doesn’t present the song in a linear fashion. While they don’t exactly go deep into left field, they add sections that you don’t see coming, such as an a capella bridge section that almost changes the entire trajectory.
It’s a matter of opinion on if everything they do will work in the grand scheme. My educated guess is that they will at the very least be appreciated for being bold enough to take a risk, in a rather predictable climate in the modern industry. Musically, the band succeeds in amalgamating their influences, which includes everything from Soundgarden to Third Eye Blind. The one transparent element is that you can kind of discern which member, brings which influence to the table. The lead guitar player for example, seems to be a Kim Thayil fan.
“She Don’t Know” is destined to either be a deep album cut, or a potential hit. It could legitimately go either way, with such an unorthodox piece, that somewhat lures you into a false sense of conventionality.
You come away with respect for The Jones Title, as they are not only what they proclaim themselves to be, but deliver on their promises. Their vows include, lyrical honesty, a wry hangman’s humor, and a whole lotta rock and roll. So put one on the board for The Jones Title, and bringing what they said they would to the table, plus a little more.
Chadwick Easton